After making a bold—yet widely debated—statement following the 2023 NFL Draft, NFL analyst Greg Rosenthal has now conceded that he misjudged the talent level of Detroit Lions running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
When the Lions selected Gibbs in the draft, Rosenthal took to social media, claiming, “The difference between David Montgomery/Jahmyr Gibbs and Jamaal Williams/D’Andre Swift is not large.” Many Detroit fans, and now even Rosenthal himself, view that take as a significant miscalculation.
A Backfield Duo Surpassing Expectations
By the time the 2024 season rolled around, it became evident that Gibbs and Montgomery weren’t just meeting expectations—they were far exceeding them. The pair quickly became one of the most formidable running back tandems in the league, with some analysts even suggesting they could go down as one of the greatest duos in NFL history. Week after week, both players played pivotal roles in Detroit’s explosive offensive attack.
Rosenthal’s Public Apology in New Orleans
While in New Orleans before Super Bowl LIX, Rosenthal made sure to acknowledge his error directly to the players involved. “I formally apologized for this tweet, and Gibbs told me I need to ‘eat that for a lot longer,’” Rosenthal admitted. “Honestly, Gibbs is easily a top-three running back in the league, and this duo is one of the best I’ve ever seen.”
Proving the Doubters Wrong
Rosenthal’s apology follows a season in which Gibbs solidified himself as one of the NFL’s premier running backs, while Montgomery established himself as a critical piece of Detroit’s offense. His initial assessment now appears significantly off the mark.
Despite any early skepticism, Gibbs and Montgomery have demonstrated their immense value. As they continue to dominate opposing defenses, there’s no doubt that the Lions’ backfield is among the most feared in the NFL—and their electrifying performances will be remembered for years to come.
